How many weekly hours will be provided by the Behavior Consultant (BCBA, BCaBA) and the RBT (Registered Behavior Technician), and when will sessions start?
The number of hours will depend on the assessment results, your insurance company, and availability. Based on the assessment, the Behavior Consultant will recommend the necessary hours to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child. The recommendation will be submitted to your insurance company for approval, which typically takes between (x weeks). Once approvals have occurred, the Behavior Consultant will create a schedule with you for the hours your child was approved for. At that time, sessions may begin.
What are sessions like?
Sessions look different for each child. We like to make sessions fun by incorporating breaks and a variety of activities. Whenever possible, we move around the environment and run programs in different locations. At first, we usually start one-on-one with the child, often in their bedroom or living room. Over time, we gradually move to more natural environments with other people around, when appropriate. So, sessions are a mix of focused work and playful breaks.
Can I leave?
We completely understand if a parent needs to leave for a little bit during the session. For example running an errand or grabbing something from the grocery store. We do have a policy that notes that we ask in these cases that this isn’t occurring every session and when it does the parent has their cell phone on them and turned up as well as only being around 10 minutes away in case of an emergency. If having to be gone for a while or be further away from the home we ask for an emergency contact that is nearby such as a family member or neighbor. We do not allow for any other children who are not allowed to be home alone to stay at the house while the parent is gone. If other children or dependents are left at the home our Team Members are only responsible for the client/individual we are working with.
​What is pairing, and when does it happen?
Pairing is how our team builds a positive, trusting relationship with your child. During pairing, therapists focus on fun and getting to know your child.
Pairing happens when a new team member starts and when sessions begin. It also continues throughout therapy to keep learning enjoyable and your child comfortable.
What if my child does not want to participate or complete a program/goal?
Your child always has the right to request a break or to decline a task. Our Team Members work with them to develop these communication skills. Team Members also help children learn to accept and complete non-preferred tasks, as this is an important life skill that naturally occurs in everyday environments. This skill is built gradually over time.
Please note, children are never required to follow through with directions that make them feel uncomfortable. If a Team Member observes this, those programs or directions will be removed.
If my child is tantruming in the session and wants me, what usually happens?
It depends on the situation. In some cases, parents are encouraged to stay and observe, while in others it may be more helpful for your child to work independently. We’ll always communicate with you about what’s best for your child—rest assured, you won’t be asked to leave without a conversation first.
Do you use flashcards or visuals at the table to run goals?
Visuals are used in multiple settings including at the table. Visuals are wonderful prompts to use. Flashcards can be used at times but most goals/programs do not involve flashcards. This is dependent on your child's needs and goals. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) are used with some children if needed and are not counted as visual prompts or flashcards.
Will my child have breaks during sessions?
Yes! Your child will have scheduled breaks throughout their session to rest, reset, and stay engaged. Breaks help make learning more effective and enjoyable. These are also great times for Team Members and kiddos to do fun activities and get to know each other better.
What is my role as a parent/guardian?
Sessions usually start with your team working one-on-one with your child in their room or another place where we can structure the environment so it’s easier to learn. Families are always welcome to observe and most insurances require a percentage of observation time as well as participation in sessions. This is usually around 20% or so. Family programs will be developed meaning that you’ll be shown how to run some programs and you’ll run them during and outside of the session times. We also teach how to take data so you can do that as well. A lot of times after fulfilling the observation and participation times families use the time we are working with their child to catch up on things and even take a break. We do a lot of the client's breaks with family since they are excited to spend some time with them. The supervisor on your case will go into more details on participation and most likely this will change over time as the client starts to master off programs, etc.